The former striker won the Copa del Rey during his three years with Valencia, scoring the third goal in Los Che's 3-1 victory over Getafe in the 2008 final.

"I will be supporting Valencia," Morientes said. "I hope they win, knowing that the favourites are Barcelona. Emotionally, [Valencia] are coming into it in better form. Let's hope they take advantage of it!

"It will be an open match, with chances. The two teams have great attackers and this makes you think that there will be goals. The defensive systems will be stronger than usual, but I don't think it'll go to extra time."

Dani Parejo has enjoyed another stellar season for Valencia and Morientes believes that the midfielder has a key role to play on Saturday.

"With the ball, they will rely on their best player, Parejo, to create good chances for the strikers," he said.

Barcelona's star men were accused of disappearing during their Champions League exit to Liverpool and Morientes thinks that they will have to help Messi out against Valencia.

"They will rely on their most important players being at their best and not letting Messi do all the work," he noted.

"The defensive structures also have to be solid because Valencia counter-attack very well and very quickly."